In our last blog post, Century Dental, the best local dentists in the Jersey Shore, discussed options for when you lose a tooth. We took a look at removable partial dentures and the two kinds of bridges: implant-supported fixed bridges and tooth-supported fixed bridges. In this blog post, we’ll review a few more options for when you lose a tooth.
Century Dental specializes in periodontics, which includes treatments for tooth loss, as well as general dentistry and cosmetic dentistry. Our staff has years of experience helping patients have a beautiful smile for the world to see. Continue reading for our tooth loss options, and schedule your next dental exam today!
MORE OPTIONS FOR TREATING TOOTH LOSS
Dental Implants
Dental implants are artificial teeth that are inserted into the jawbone and replace the actual root of your lost tooth. The implant is placed and then allowed to heal. Then, the dental implant can support a crown, bridge, or a denture. These are great options for those who are only missing one tooth in-between other natural teeth. No other teeth have to be altered, and it is virtually impossible to tell the difference between your dental implant and your real teeth. The dental implant is great for chewing, brushing, or smiling and is hardly noticeable to you. This is a permanent solution that is long-lasting. You brush normally with nothing to remove in order to brush. The success rate is over 95%. Dental implants also prevent jawbone loss. However, this is a surgical procedure that is the most expensive tooth replacement solution. However, in the long run, due to the fact dental implants last longer, you may end up saving money.
Century Dental recommends dental implants because it is a long-term solution to tooth loss. Many of the other options for tooth loss require continual maintenance and replacement sets after a certain period of time, depending on wear and tear. Dental implants can last up to 20 years or more.
Removable Complete Dentures
Removable complete dentures are for when you need to have most or all of your teeth replaced. These dentures sit on top of the gums and do not require surgery. This is a low-cost option for those who do not want to have an invasive procedure. The teeth are attached to a base, which is then inserted into the mouth. The benefits of removable complete dentures include an improved appearance from old, worn out teeth, improved facial structure, which gives you a more youthful appearance, and can make eating and speaking easier. Removable complete dentures is a very natural look and is very affordable. Your gum tissue color can be closely matched to the base color of the removable complete dentures, and the base can be used to shore up your jawline as well, giving your face more shape.
However, Century Dental notes that the disadvantages to removable complete dentures are numbersome. Your jawbone most likely will change shape over time, which makes these removable complete dentures not fit so well. There are food restrictions with these dentures, such as really hard food and really sticky food. You must remove these dentures to clean, and they have to be removed overnight so your gums can recover. The dentures resting on your gums can cause an acceleration in the loss of your jawbone due to the constant pressure. Since they are not fixed in your jaw, removable complete dentures may move around when speaking or eating, and you may not be able to taste food as well. You can develop sores on your gums from this movement. Denture adhesives really don’t work all that well and are often quite messy. Sometimes, these removable complete dentures click when speaking, which can be embarrassing.
Do Nothing
Some people choose to not see a top-notch dentist such as Century Dental who offers periodontal dentist treatments. Most likely, when one tooth is missing, the other teeth naturally shift to fill in the gap. However, you’ll still have a gap and have to be extremely careful when it comes to keeping that area clean and free from food debris. Bone decay or loss can occur around this area because of the gum’s exposure to more harmful bacteria.
CENTURY DENTAL OFFERS SUPERB PERIODONTAL SERVICES
If you’re suffering from a missing tooth or teeth, call Century Dental for a free consultation. We have three convenient locations to choose from Eatontown or Jackson. Schedule today!
